Autumn leaves flutter as October Fledglings Fly!

[standclear]

Welcome to the October 2015 Fledgling Flying thread!

Park your broomsticks and cauldrons here!! Or is that just me ?

This is where, from the 1st of the month, we attempt to declutter and follow the 30-step wisdom of Flylady (minus cutesy language and a surfeit of e-mails) with lots of chat and support and mutual motivation (and of course) along the way.

More info available here and here and here.

As usual we will be following a three-pronged approach - and don't worry - we are all at different stages. (Some of us are still stuck at the decluttering stage after quite a few years ):

• repeat or start baby steps (again!)
  

• repeat baby steps + do 15 mins a day decluttering in the current zone
  

or

• reinforce babysteps and do daily missions if you have finished decluttering.
  

And those of you who have decluttered and are really enthusiastic can throw some detailed cleaning in to the mix as well!

The idea is that we focus on short, ring-fenced, daily steps and routines that will help our homes run (more or less!) on "automatic pilot" allowing us to do far more interesting things instead!

This is a very long-running thread so we may appear cliquey but we really aren't! All newcomers, long-termers, lurkers and intermittent returnees not only welcome to join in but positively encouraged to do so!

Helpful pointers: No perfectionism allowed! If it took a while to create the current C.H.A.O.S. (can't have anyone over syndrome) in your home, then it will probably take a while to reverse the situation (you can't clean clutter!). Small steps are the key! And you are never behind: just jump in where you are at!

Any questions, don't hesitate to ask!

Good luck!

[WhoKnowsWhereTheTimeG0es]

Great Hallowe'en here too, trick or treating earlier, then off to London to a party with old friends, just rolled back in now. See you in November.

[standclear]

Tis very good of you Fuzzpig!! Glad to hear your evening wasn't too stressful after all, and the composing sounds fantastic!

As do your beautiful dark blue irises Knitting. Hope your dd enjoys her first proper party experience!

Toffee and KNitting we could have done with your boys in scary masks over here - everyone was rather polite and not terribly scary!

We've just got back (an hour ahead here) and dh and dd are watching pre-recorded Dr Who. A good time was had by all tonight after all: in fact, I think it was better than if we'd stuck to the original plan: all the shops and cafés on a particular street stay open late, and the adults parade up and down while the dc dive in and avail themselves of whatever is on offer ie ice cream shop = mini ice cream sweets, photography shops = free photo of you in costume; bakery = pumpkin shaped biscuits, café = copious amounts of Haribo ... . I was very admiring of one of dd's friend's grandmother who wore dramatic purple streaks in her hair. But costume of the night was a very sweet toddler being wheeled around in skeleton onesie. The dc had pizza half way around so all v easy; will definitely be doing it again next year!

Gosh Toffee dry ice sounds very professional indeed. Halloween has barely got going here! It's only "celebrated" in areas where there are lots of US and UK expats. If you knocked on the door in some quartiers and asked for sweets, no one would have a clue what you were doing! Glad your ma had a good time! We are feeling a bit easier about it all this year; because dd's v. strict Catholic primary made their disapproval plain but now she is at secondary, no one seems to mind so much!

Hope you have a great night out Can't!!

Stowing my broom-stick away for another year and heading off to new thread now.

G'night all.

[fuzzpig]

new thread

[fuzzpig]

Sitting outside DS' room while he tries to sleep. He came back early from Trick or Treating with the neighbours, but can't sleep without DD of course. Goodness knows how it'll work if they ever get separate rooms

Anyway I'm armed with the laptop and am just setting up the new thread.

[Toffeewhirl]

Just back from trick or treating with DS2. Stuck an old black wig and witch's hat on and he trailed out in a long black robe and 'Scream' mask. Persuaded my very CofE mum to accompany us and she really enjoyed it. Everyone goes to town round here, with lots of dry ice, candles and scary music.

Have stuck the rest of our sweets on the doorstep for teenagers to pillage.

SC - that costume sounds amazing.

Glad DC and their friends are enjoying their evening, Fuzz.

Swan - it has taken me years to get used to the fact that my children like to cover up their beautiful, innocent faces with horrifying masks for Halloween.

[knittingwithnettles]

love your dd's costume SC

well done Fuzz you will have happy memories, and I would love to be able to compose a spooky tune, (although knowing me it would end up being a riff off a Christmas carol, I tried a moment ago and it starting changing into Masters in this Hall )

ds2 has put on a terrifying mask all shiny and metallic with large teeth, and is waiting to pounce on little children and shower them with toffees.

feel tremendously relieved to have no-one coming over. we've done lots of gardening today, and raked up all the beautiful golden fig leaves that carpeted the lawn. Dh has planted some dark blue mini-irises and ds2 has played with his Hornby Train. Ds1 is still being a bit tiresome, and still refusing to see anyone or go anywhere (he went to drama though - maybe that was enough for him) dd has gone to her first ever teenage party...hooo scarey....with a friend in tow, staying the night at friend. Claims the mum is picking them up from party. mum is TA so I'm sure that is true. All slightly too easy though..I feel I've got off lightly.

[fuzzpig]

Honestly SC it's cool! I think it's the best time for me to do it - something else to keep my mind busy. This time (as in, this relapse) the 'brain fog' aspect has actually been pretty much ok, so I get very frustrated that my body can't keep up with my brain. Doing this will help :) x

DCs and friends are running about causing mayhem but actually it's not so bad. One friend couldn't arrive as early as thought, and another had to leave early, which diluted the stress a bit. They've been scaring each other outside while I've been starting up another hobby that I haven't dared look at in years - composing. Only very simple tunes (what I'd LOVE to do is write a little book of fun tunes in different styles for children around grade 1). Just made up a little Halloween tune and remembered how much I enjoyed it

[CantSee4Looking]

I am glad not to be doing any of it too SC and in fact am off out leaving others to fed off the trick or treaters.

[standclear]

Good morning all!

[SC swoops in on broomstick - does quick loop the loop - and crash lands on to thread]

Fuzzpig hope you are OK taking on November thread, partic when you have been signed off work; not sure you should be taking on anything else really (plus feel guilty now my Halloween event has been re-organised and you are busy preparing for yours!). Let us know if you need help or want to pull out at last min! I'm sure someone else would be happy to step in to the breach!

We have been busy trying to put a last-minute Halloween costume together for dd (the bargainous witches costume she has worn for 6 years running won't cut it any more apparently but I couldn't face thinking about this before now!).

Fortunately she has black jodphurs and black jodphur boots + grey polo neck; found black cardi and gloves of mine I wear to funerals (slightly too big but never mind) and we are going to be topping that with wild scary hair styled with old hair-band wrapped in silver insulating tape with a large spider attached (also bought for last year and kept) with a big messy clump of ribbony, shaggy black thick wool over her shoulders which represent spiders web. Together with spider tattoos on face and dramatic purple eye make up. Hope that does the trick ... and it is going to be cold ... so hopefully will be practical too. Oh yes, she is currently painting spider's web designs on finger nails she has painted white ... .

Just now need to find scary sound boxes that I bought for the occasion and now of course have no idea where I put them (despite having a present cupboard)

Just relieved not to be making ghost meringues with blood fruit compote and trays of witchy finger shortbreads as in years past ... never thought it would come to this ... I usually love this sort of thing! Heigh ho... .

Grey your post to Dogsbum is a perfect example of why this thread is still going strong Hope there will be lots of cauldron-stirring going on in your house today!

[fuzzpig]

Happy Halloween/Samhain blessings to all!

I'm just sorting out some stuff but will be starting the new thread later. I've made a Word file for it and everything

Got to drag the DCs out this morning for a few last minute Halloweeny bits, organisation fail. Just waiting for someone to drop off an FB purchase and then I'll attempt to get going

In the meantime I'm playing piano :o (I just found the music that was used in the opening titles for Doctor Foster)

[Greymalkin]

Good morning Fledglings.

to SC for her mammoth thread leading skills and effort over the past few months. Now you need to take some time for yourself

[standclear]

I wouldn't say shiny exactly Knitting but we have clean towels and everywhere has been hoovered at least!

How fantastic that your ds2 is looking forward to his tuition next week! What a turn around and one that speaks volumes about your excellent home-edding regimen!! Congrats to you both!

Hope the axe-wielding goes well tomorrow

[knittingwithnettles]

Bravo for rearranging Halloween plan SC and bravo for Half Term, I wish ours wasn't over, except for ds2 though, he is looking forward to tuition this week Bet your house looks very shiny now, after all that tidying, and also great to get ahead on the Christmas planning, just to take the fear out of it

sad to say, ds1 has now said he doesn't have friends near enough so no big arrangement here after all, just ds2 with the axe and the twixes


better go and wash that lasagne dish before dh gets back from the football match with ds2 all tired and cold and defeated..Tis Brentford against QPR, and B is our team

[standclear]

Congratulations everyone! You have made it through another Flying month in the coop! Some of you not me may even have shredded some bits of paper clutter here and there, and everyone has been very busy so well done for mahoosive amounts achieved!

Here are the final links for October!

Thereafter handing over to Fuzzpig who has very kindly volunteered to guide us through November [passes over ceremonial feather duster and Toffee's tribute knob polishing kit, together with copious quantities of Can'tsee's special brew with a ladle of something "extra" from Grey's cauldron ]



The final baby-step of the month, no. 31, for Sat 31st October is here. It basically says that you don't have to know everything about the Flylady system before you start; things will become clearer as you do them. The theory is that, as you gradually declutter, you will have more time to do more detailed cleaning, the Monday home "bleugh", and generally have more fun!

We are in Zone 5 this week : The Living Room (October 25-31) here.

Declutter for 15 mins in Zone 5 if you want to and/or do a mission!

If you are at this stage, the detailed cleaning list for Zone 5 is here.

No missions because it is the weekend!

Saturday's daily focus is: family fun.

The habit for October is: //www.flylady.net/d/habits-of-the-month/october/ decluttering paper clutter!

A summary of the above (which should update itself daily) can be found here in the Flightplan: //www.flylady.net/c/fp.php?tzm=-120.

Enjoy a spooky weekend everyone! [Mwah Mwah Mwah mwah, mwah, cue creaky door-hinge sounds and feral spiders etc etc.]

***

G'night all!

[standclear]

Evening all!

Hope everyone has had as good a day as poss although sorry to hear how many of us are struggling a bit atm. Here's and for everyone tonight! I think we need it!

Ta da:
wrapped two presents and wrote card
morning routine inc animals, dw, wm, and dining room table hot spots
tidied dd bedroom, play room, bathroom and sitting room in advance of cleaners
cleared decks for a few Halloween decorations in sitting room
volunteering a.m.
spoke to two sets of friends clarifying arrangements for tomorrow night
walked dog x 2 (one short, one long)
e-mailed dd's old school about photos
3 loads of washing (one hung up and two tumble-dried)
30 mins general tidy of boudoir
15 mins clearing top of dh's chest of drawers + polishing + cleaning mirror
15 mins tidying top of my chest of drawers + polishing
15 mins putting away clean and ironed clothes
20 mins hoovering boudoir
quick trip to specialist bakery to buy Halloween chocolate lollipops!
quick trip to supermarket to buy pumpkins + 'easy' fish for tonight
two e-mails to parents of godchildren about Christmas presents
school run
ballet run (one way)
supper
crash!

DD has just broken up for half term holidays and dh is happy to have this testing week over with, and I am happy as I actually had some energy to get something done today (felt rather ill/tired in the morning whilst volunteering but felt better as day went on) so all in all, quite a buoyant mood chez SC tonight!

Helped by dd playing around with the Dumcrash application (feel very 'down with the kids' writing that!! ) on her Ipod and persuading dh and me to create bizarre faux karaoke performances! Of all the available popular music on the planet, oh why oh why did dh choose a Demis Roussos track I wonder??? He mimed it very enthusiastically too; rather worrying if you ask me (but there again may be implicated.)

Hi Nicknacks Thank you for the listening ear - much appreciated! I do remember your early struggles with the house as it happens (and if I recall correctly, I think Feetheart had similar issues too). I can see that a few unilaterial actions are the way to go here! So sorry to hear about the ongoing unfair division of labour though; that is something that is altogether much more difficult to tackle; so you have my total sympathies as it must feel very isolating and demoralising. I don't suppose striking would do any good (not being entirely facetious either!) ?

Fuzzpig Sorry to hear you feel so under pressure tonight and your dh is under so much pressure at work. I was in the same position earlier in the week (re: inviting dd's friends, and a few parents, around for Halloween) and was stressing about it as I just didn't feel I had all the energy for the prep required. Absolutely hated letting everyone down but confided in my friend and she was lovely about it and we are all now having a much more casual evening out.

Sorry - relaying all of that doesn't help with your situation much does it - just wanted to convey that I understand how you feel! Could you prepare hot dogs for the children? I was doing some research for Halloween food (when official supper was going to be here) and came across these mummy sausages and finger rolls. But bog standard hot dogs would be more than fine too, maybe with ketchup and mustard? Most dc love them and you can involve the fussy eaters in helping with assembly! V easy to prepare. Hope your evening goes well anyway and that you are not too exhausted by it all!

Dogsbum sorry you are struggling at the moment; your presence was missed on the thread and I was wondering how you and Meerkitten have been getting on. I hope you know you are free to pop in and out of this thread as the feeling takes you! And no need to be permanently cheery on here as I can well testify . Life can be so terribly tiring and demanding with a new baby; I hope you are oK and taking care of yourself too .

Fingersmith Thank you for posting that! No need to worry, I totally 'get' what you mean about our mental states colouring how we react to other people and experiences. Just sorry you had such a mixed experience living abroad. And gawd yes re those yawnsville blokes (it usually is blokes I'm afraid to say!)! We have evidently borne attended the same sort of social gatherings! YY to architect too, that is definitely part of the plan when dh and I sit down to formulate the strategy, and will hopefully be a good catalyst from which to get the ball rolling! Frankly, the project is so overwhelming that we need expert advice! "Na odd" for lunch sounds very exotic btw

Oh dear Knitting I have only just come on here and seen your post about editing technology struggles; hope your dh was able to help but if not I would be v willing to try on your behalf (if appropriate) or try and offer solutions to specific probs if that is less intrusive. We use this sort of technology in the office; am presuming it is similar. Don't hesitate to let me know if you need help - am free on Sun!

Your school gate ramblings have taken me straight back to long, hot university tutorials where I felt horribly exposed for not studying 'On Liberty' in sufficient depth and as for 'The Leviathan' lawd, or anything by Bentham or Hobbes for that matter; was young and stupid and couldn't care less. Would absolutely love to attend the same tutorials now of course but you know what they say; "youth is wasted on the young" Gardening it is then

Carruthers Can'tsee old chum, hope the day has gone as swimmingly as possible! Well, better than yesterday anyway! Hope you are ok

Blue hope you have survived the week! Wishing you and your family a very happy first weekend in your new home

Toffee hope your second week went as well as your first! And that supper was waiting for you tonight.

Scatty hope you are hanging in there too x

Big wing flaps to Dontbuy Greymalkin Everydayaschoolday Feetheart, Honu, Whoknows, Ellie,Fish, Fizrim MrsMook Carpe and eveyrone I have inevitably missed!

Cheers everyone ! Thank you again for all of your support and well done for getting through the week!

[knittingwithnettles]

done
bought Halloween sweets
some spare ribs for ds to practise cooking on
some maple syrup in case I decide to make some autumnal muffins from dreaded Annabel Karmel lunchbox book (never yet used - from charity shop)

no washing up
dd swept up the crumbs on the floor earlier

todo
scrub last night's lasagne dish
take out yesterday's washing
do more washing
do more washing
spray upstairs basin and force myself to scrub it
move toys from living room upstairs, (this is really ridiculous -we know no younger children atm..there is ceremonial box still living next to sofa)
move desk downstairs to tv room
move chest of drawers to landing
hang out sheets

enjoy a Friday night off from cooking

[knittingwithnettles]

nicknacks that is such a lovely way to put it, no advice or solutions but a listening ear. I think that is what we all need.

[CantSee4Looking]

Dogs just bare in mind it took me months to get functioning and sorted after having ds. be kind to yourself, lower expectations and enjoy meerkitten cos you will blink turn around and realise that dc is taller than you and got their own life. There will always be house work.

[knittingwithnettles]

Dogsbum small babies make things very overwhelming. It can be a black pit indeed coupled with the never ending responsibility and exhaustion. And chemical lows and highs too. But mostly just sleep related exhaustion and the never ending question of nutrition and the baby's health. Breastfeeding can be so hard (that it's if you are still strugglingVirtually sending you a Big plate of spicy chicken wings (hope you are not vegetarian) and some corn on the cob, and a friendly ghost with a platter of nice hot chips, as I've just been to Nando's with two of my children (at their request, they wanted to Go Out because it was Friday night and other child was at football match)

Fuzz this is what Home Ed is about, not feeling overwhelmed at Halloween because it is a continuum I try to tell myself this and I have done exact same thing and let ds1 (who never has friends over, for that matter I'm not sure if he has any actual friends who don't exist on facebook only) invite some people over. To play computer games on Halloween as he is too old for sweets.. So it is sad to realise there is no need for:

Apple bobbing?
Musical bumps
leaf necklaces (felt leaves cut out from autumnal coloured felt if you have it)
making Halloween lanterns out of orange paper
and decorating pre bought cakes with green icing and sprinkles?
Big pot of plain pasta with choice of grated cheese, chopped ham or dolmio sauce? I'm sure they won't be that hungry anyway. And crisps...

You will be fine, and it will all be over soon (rocks in corner with sheet over my head)

well house is utter mess. I've realised that my desire to retreat back to my nice clean bedroom is reaction to this, and also lack of heating grrr.

But we have had a really nice evening the two teens and I going out to Nando's, ds1 was being very sullen and uncommunicative and brightened up the minute he hit the pavement and was teen about town, except he then pulled his hoodie up the minute he encountered any fellow teens for fear they would recognise him.. chatting away soon about all sorts of thing

[NickNacks]

Hi just checking in quickly.

sc I'm so sorry you're having a hard time at the moment. I had similar struggles when we first moved in to this house (anyone remember the TV on the bedroom wall argument?!). My PIL used to live here and when we moved in do was very unmotivated to do anything to the place because it was 'fine'.

However as the years went by I just started doing things myself. I would very occasionally ask him to chip in to help with lifting or drilling but for the most part I did it or arranged trademen to do it. He just hates the upheaval and doesn't find the pain worth the gain of the end result.

The other issue we have is because I work from home, he sees all the mess as mine to sort. Downstairs I can see his point, toys and dinner at the end of the day I tidy because the majority is from minders but we do have 3 DC ourselves and so this means he never has to clear up after his own children. Upstairs he say they should tidy their own bedrooms, I agree but sorting, decluttering and cleaning falls to me again - he never picks up after me in our bedroom or bathroom. End result is he pretty much only looks after his own stuff and that's a joke because he's a messy bugger and declutters nothing!

God I feel better after that rant! I'm so sorry for the derail....

I don't have any advice or solutions sc but have a listening ear as always. Take care.

[fuzzpig]

No flying here other than sticking a wash on.

For some utterly insane reason I agreed that DD could have some friends round tomorrow for Halloween fun. WHY the actual Jeff did I do that?! What dinner can I cook without a working oven for 4 or 5 kids including two very fussy ones? Then we have an extra social thing and some appts next week and DH is getting more stressed at work by the day and and and aaaaaaargh

I'm going to hide under a rock.

Actually I'm going to rearrange one of the appts first, since it isn't urgent. Then hide. Except the DCs need dinner and a bath and DH won't be home for another 90mins. I want to cry pathetically.

Dogs sorry you are struggling. I won't say I know exactly what you're going through and I'm not great with advice either, but being a veteran of a multitude of issues (bad shit indeed) I agree that locking it all away helps nobody. I am here if you need a friendly ear. x

[Dogsbumhair]

I've been missing in action for a few weeks (not literally, just from the thread!) and I'm trying to make myself slope back for my own good but struggling with it a bit. I've been in a bit of a hole that I don't think I'm in any longer but still struggling to come back and get the balance of honesty about what is going on versus the level of disclosure which is healthy/safe for me about my life and finding it impossible so I'm starting with just shoving a toe back in the water and saying that I'm here, I haven't been following the thread but want to try and re-engage next month.

My lifelong habit would be to put on a brave front, conceal all the bad shit and just lock it all in a box and be bright and breezy. I don't want to do that (not just here but in real life too) but on the other hand the bad shit tends to freak people out so badly that they can't cope, get super anxious, make things worse for me and then I have to reassure them and make them feel better, oh so helpful for me

Meerkitten is kicking off a bit so maybe this is it for now and maybe all I can do for now but will try and get back on thread and try to find the balance mentioned above. Have just read the last couple of pages and see that SC is having a hard time too

[Fingersmithismyfavourite]

SC thank you for pulling me up on my comments re school Mums. Actually that comes across really badly and not as I intended ...what I meant (although this is not at all clear) was that I was so demotivated and bored of my life even the lovely mums of the international community (many of whom are the most interesting and selfless people I have ever met) were boring to me. It is a reflection of the gloom I was in I couldn't be bothered to engage or do the reciprocation required in a friendship ..actually I was the one at fault. And re the business men you describe I could not agree more....these Men are so self absorbed they are yawnsville to be sat with. Sometimes I would leave social gatherings and realise the person I was sitting next to had not asked me a single question about myself ...v bad manners!!

Another thought...could you ask around and get some recommendations for an architect or builder? Just meeting someone and showing them your house, starting the conversation might help you feel that the ball is rolling and show your husband you are serious?

Today I have done very little, taken DS to a Halloween gathering and na odd for lunch

[knittingwithnettles]

Solicitor has sent back the form but with highlights and now I don't know how to edit them...the text keeps switching back to blue...aargh. This is the sort of technical thing which completely throws me. Solicitor gave me stern instructions not to send LA "blue" writing... Will have to ask dh to help as he spends his time editing documents on screen.

However did succeed in finding some bank details in a pile of clutter for a tuition Bacs payment, so that at least hasn't taken me all morning.

And I've run out of coffee, oh dear.

My mind is blank, and yet yesterday I was rambling about John Stuart Mill to a school gate mum, and thinking about utilitarianism/Bentham and wishing I knew more about philosophy and how it underpins modern politics. On the other hand maybe that is where madness lies. Gardening it is!!!

[standclear]

Good morning all!

As I am supposed to be limiting my Internet use , I shall try and keep this brief ... spots Flying pig.

Woke up feeling considerably cheerier this morning thanks to you lovely lot!

Can'tsee and Whoknows thank you so much both for your really excellent suggestions which are much, much appreciated . Have incorporated them (and eveyrone else's ideas) in to a new strategy developed overnight which involves:

• going back to basics and ruddy well sticking to the Flylady routines and steps properly and not doing any more than that (I know this system works if followed properly!!)
  
• investigating on-line study
  

-making a proper plan with dh about house/future plans etc (this will be hardest bit)

• in meantime, making small changes to the house unilaterally without discussing them with dh
  
• properly getting to bottom of health "ishews" once and for all and find out what is causing fatigue
  

-go back to ring-fencing a bit of "creativity" time in the week to paint/sew

• finagle ways of growing things and spending more time in countryside as that is really the thing that makes me happiest.
  

So thank you again everyone! And apologies again for hi-jacking the thread!

Oh dear Can'tsee sorry to hear you had such a horribly stressful day yesterday! I couldn't believe how gung-ho the builders were here when we first did basic renovation work and how, unless huge efforts were made by everyone present to keep things out of the way, wrapped up, strapped down, it would be wrecked without care or thought to anyone. Hope nothing was damaged irrevocably and hope roof can be repaired asap without causing too much more mess!

Also, apologies, forgot to ask earlier, hope your ds was OK when he went to his Dad's for half term and that he coped with the transition ok, ie, the fear of the change proved worse than the actual reality.

Whoknows Sorry to hear you are struggling with many of the same issues! It's so frustrating isn't it? I knew that you were taking responsibility for far too much but I hadn't realised to what extent. Hope you can persuade your dh to hire some outside contractors if he won't help to do repairs/renovation/decorating himself. I agree that a single piece of "solution" furniture can make a world of difference though.

How is the school run going now btw? Is your ds finding it OK? And how are you coping with two jobs on top of everything else?

Fingersmith I hadn't spotted your second post when I replied to your first last night and just wanted to say no need to apologise about being too direct - it is good when new posters come on the thread and offer new perspectives (particularly as I have a tendency to dither/wallow rather than act) so all opinions gratefully received!

If you don't mind me being equally direct in return , I guess tbh, (without wanting to cause a big hoo-haa about it) the only comment of yours which caused me to frown a little , was the bit about you becoming bored with school mums (although understand the good intentions behind the post in which it was contained and the situation you were in which provoked that feeling).

Fwiw, I could introduce you to quite a few blokes in suits who roam the world/speak eight languages/negotiate with politicians etc who outwardly lead very interesting lives who nonetheless can bore for England!) Given my situation of only working -/+10 hrs a week I acknowledge I am probably far too over-sensitive about this subject though!

Genuinely happy to hear that you are now much more settled and fulfilled in your life in London though. How are your plans going wrt to household routines, sport, culture etc?

Knitting congrats on finishing and sending off EHCP form! I need to buy pumpkins today too so thanks for reminder!

Big waves to everyone else!

Right, my time is up !

Have completed morning routines but have so much to do today that I can't face listing it, but at least starting now with a bit more energy and determination!

Thanks again eveyrone and have a good day!